Large study finds most statin side effects are not caused by the drugs, reassuring millions of patients and doctors as experts urge continued use to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
WEBDESK – Act Global Media
Millions of Americans taking cholesterol-lowering statins may be worrying unnecessarily about side-effects, according to a major new international review that found most commonly reported symptoms are not actually caused by the medication.
The analysis, published in The Lancet, reviewed clinical trial data from 123,940 participants followed for an average of 4.5 years. Researchers concluded that widely feared problems such as memory loss, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance and headaches occurred at nearly the same rate in people taking a placebo.
Health experts say confusion about statins has discouraged many patients from starting or continuing therapy, even though the drugs significantly lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Widely used in the United States
Statins including atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and pravastatin (Pravachol) are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S., taken by tens of millions of adults to control LDL, often called “bad cholesterol.”
Cardiologists note that misinformation online has led some patients to stop treatment without medical advice.
What the study found
Researchers reported no meaningful increase in risk for most symptoms listed on drug labels, including:
-
Memory loss
-
Depression
-
Erectile dysfunction
-
Nausea
-
Fatigue
-
Weight gain
-
Sleep problems
Lead researchers said the events still happen to patients, but at similar rates whether they took statins or not, suggesting the drug itself is usually not responsible.
Known risks remain small
The study did confirm a few genuine but uncommon effects:
-
About 1% increase in muscle symptoms, mainly during the first year
-
Slight rise in blood sugar levels in high-risk patients
-
Around 0.1% increase in abnormal liver blood tests
-
Occasional swelling in legs or ankles
Researchers emphasized these risks are minor compared with the cardiovascular protection statins provide.
Doctors urge reassurance
Cardiology experts say the findings should reassure patients who stopped therapy because of fear.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and doctors estimate many eligible patients are untreated due to side-effect concerns.
Researchers are now calling for updated medication labels and clearer patient guidance so doctors and patients can make better informed decisions.
The bottom line, experts say, is simple: for most people at risk of heart disease, the benefits of statins greatly outweigh the risks.
